The Longest Blog Ever

Sound the horns! Can you believe it?!? Our computer is fixed!!! YEAH!!! I have a lot of catching up to do... So let's go in reverse order and get everyone caught up...

First we had Halloween at work - for being a kid who has never trick-or-treated - she sure did catch on fast - she made it all the way around the office and was loving it.

They filled her pumpkin full of candy and this is what happens - our kid's first sugar HIGH! She was running around like crazy. Even Val came over and was like - Dude - what's wrong with your kid? We answered... candy... pure candy.

Val and Heidi hanging out on the couch...

Heidi did great in her costume and yes - we dressed her as a dinosaur - why not? She made the tour of everyone - first stop my dad's house, then my mom's, then Chris' mom's work, Chris' family's house, Matt and Christina's place and finally home to trick-or-treat. She made it through the whole tour and was quite happy! Aren't Blake and Kendall cute?

Heidi and Kendall are enjoying Blake's GUN SHOW!

Dinosaur down!!! Dinosaur Down!!! :)

Heidi enjoying her first sucker - we don't think she was actually holding it - more like it was stuck to the paw - but she loved it anyways. I'm pretty sure it was dropped a few times - but I don't think about that - a little dirt never hurt a kid - right?

One morning Matt and Kendall stopped by to play for awhile and it was fun! Kendall and Heidi get along great -well at least until Junior High - but right now - it's all good! I love the picture of them kicking at the same time - I don't know exactly what they were doing...

Heidi playing in the basement...

I love when she kisses her dolls or what she calls baby!

Heidi hasn't really ever had issues sleeping and when she sleeps - she is out cold - as long as she has her Big Toe, security blanket and the two hand made blankets from my mom - then she is out for the night. Doesn't this just make you want to be a kid again and sleep!?!

Go HUSKERS!!!

Heidi thinks anything small and electronic means it is a phone - this is Chris' GE security badge - close enough :)

Our piggy likes to eat and her newest FAVORITE food - want it with every meal - beans! All kind of beans!

I love when she goes all done - sometimes her hands flying up which means some food may go flying too - but that's why we have dogs...

Just a fun bubble bath!

We had a couple of great snow days that allowed me to stay home from work and basically play with Heidi - kind of nice!

Chris maybe wasn't as excited as me since he had to go shovel and snow blow everything - but hey - at least my old ski gear is back in good use!

The funniest part was when Chris was shoveling the back deck - Heidi took her chair and placed it so she could watch - of course she had her Big Toe toy and blanket - but she sat there the entire time Chris shoveled - SO funny!

We also had a coloring break during the snow day and Heidi was just too cute laying on the kitchen floor coloring away!

Have I mentioned Heidi loves beans... no really beans - any and all kinds - but especially black beans (which are my favorite too - hehe)

Heidi goofing around - she LOVES to hide and daddy's legs are a perfect spot!

My grandma gave me all her old sewing items since she no longer needed them and I have been so grateful - I won't have to buy thread, buttons, trim or elastic for a cenutry - now I just need to make something... but I had the tub of thread out for a holiday project for the family and Heidi discovered it - and man did she have fun - laying out all the spools ever so carefully - another great toy for Heidi - so simple!

As you can see above, Heidi is a messy eater - what kid isn't - so one night I didn't want her to get another of her clothes dirty. So I found an old college shirt of mine and I think it fit rather nicely! :)

Christmas cards have been mailed -so I can share the picture now - here is Heidi's Christmas picture taken by Christina Kahler - the 3rd picture she took and I said great grand wonderful - print! Thanks to Christina once again for taking awesome pictures!!!

Heidi had her 18 month appointment last week and she is still on the small side - coming in at 22 pounds 4 ounces and 30 inches tall - about the 17%. The only major change is she is now on a daily laxative because the kid won't poop - no matter how many beans or glass of juice you feed her. The first day on it - it helped tremendously - so we hope this will help get her to poop! Yep - I talked about poop... poop!

I hope this catches everyone up on the activites and adventures with miss Heidi. Now keep your fingers crossed that our computer doesn't go down again and I can update this thing on a regular basis!

Until next time!

Time for a Prank...

My home computer is still down - so I can only post pictures I somehow acquire through other people...

First - This is the only picture I have of Heidi downloaded from a camera phone at work for Halloween... I swear I have better pictures - but I thought I would share my little Dinosaur!

Second, my coworker was out of the office for a tradeshow last week and I became bored...and I found an economy size roll of cling wrap...and let the imagination fly! It was a good stress reliever and I even broke a sweat doing it - but she loved it... Gotta love pranks...

Broken Computer...

Our computer is down again! Boo! I have some good pictures to upload - I'm hoping to find another solution soon and be up and running this week!!!

Family Woes...

So update in the Gonzales household; we are a household of issues...

1. Chris - He is just getting off his Z-pack with a sinus infection, he hopes to be 100% soon...

2. Me - I swear I have been sick for the last three months and my doctor agrees - he is running out of meds he can give me - cat scan last Wednesday showed I had issues with two sinus cavities and I'm currently on an antibiotic and got even sicker this weekend - is that even possible? On my way to a specialist...

3. Heidi - she has a sinus infection too - poor girl - her nose is running like crazy and she coughs so bad - she is in good spirits though - which is good. She is on an antibiotic too and I'm hoping it kicks in soon!

4. Taco - Last week Taco had an accident in the house (which he NEVER does) and we noticed blood in his urine - so we took him in - looks like he has a large bladder stone that needs to be removed surgically - the surgery is scheduled for this Friday...$$$$

5. Brewski - I knew Brew had a double ear infection, he gets them all the time, so I figured bring him in with Taco and get the meds. I mentioned to the Doctor that Brew has started to drink a ton of water. The doc decided to check him out just in case... an hour or so later - Brew was announced as serious condition with high blood sugar and has diabetes. We had to start insulin that night and now have to give him shots twice a day. We have been to the Vet 3 out of the last 4 days and will continue to go back until he mellows out. To give you an idea of how high he was - his glucose level read at 363 and when I asked where he should be - they said between 80 and 120... yikes!

So Kharma is not working in our favor right now in the Gonzales household... let's just hope November is better than October has been!

Pooley's Punpkin Patch

Last weekend we took Heidi to Pooley's Pumpkin Patch in Bennington (on a suggestion from Anne and Dean) - we had a great time. Heidi loved the leaves and the tire swing. She took awhile to warm up to the animals - but once she did - she was everywhere and good to go. Here are the pictures from the day of fun!

Growing Vocabulary...

Heidi is talking more and more and starting to speak very clearly. Its the typical words like more, dog, milk, juice etc etc - well this weekend we added a new phrase...

"Oh sh*t"

She said it and Chris and I sat there - "Was that what I think she said?"

But don't worry - she repeated it - so we could be sure... Oh sh%t...

She dropped something...oh sh#t...

She pointed to something...oh sh^t...

We hope she is saying something else - she probably is - but for right now - our wonderful daughter clearly says...

"Oh Shit!"

Parents of the year once again...

Heidi Update, Tantrums and Cher

Last weekend Chris and I were in Vegas for a free trip Chris won in a sales contest - wahoo! It was great - we stayed at Caesars Palace in a very swank room - it even had a TV in the mirror and remote controlled curtains - kind of crazy - we ate, drank, gambled and had a blast. We didn't think we were going to get a vacation - so it was nice to get one! We are sooo grateful!

One downer was I donated my phone to the taxi cab fairies - darn it - but thank you for insurance - I already have a new one - just no phone numbers. The highlight of the trip was us renting a fun car and visiting Cass, Lori and Ariana - just 3 months old and a BEAUTIFUL baby! That was a fun lunch and we were so happy to see them!

While there, Chris' company paid for us to go to Cher... yes Cher... She is still kicking it... Overall the show wasn't our cup of tea - let me break it down...

• 40% videos - yep - videos - like Sonny and Cher, movie clips, etc etc - no one on stage - just videos
• 40% Dancers - now they were great dancers - that was entertaining
• 10% costume changes - I didn't quite understand that - but most people around us were amazed at everything she changed into
• 5% singing - It sounded good - there were a few times she didn't go for those high notes - but I can't blame her - how old is she?
• 5% talking - she had an interesting beginning speech - basically explaining how she hates unions and how great she is

Interesting - but hey - at least we saw it - if you like Cher and think she is awesome - it is the perfect show for you... if not - stick to drinking and gambling...

Now for an update on Heidi - she is just growing so fast - into everything! We missed her while we were gone - but she had fun at Grandma and Grandpa Stuedemanns! We got Heidi some toys while we were in Vegas and for some reason we didn't get anything that represented Vegas - oh well - but we got her a cooking set that she played with for a very long time and was concentrating so hard on.

We also got her an Ugly Doll - Big Toe - she LOVES it - she now sleeps with it and hugs it all the time - who knew? I may have a Halloween costume idea...

Heidi officially has some molars - it has explained some of her moods and lack of eating - we are still missing one on the bottom but the top ones are definitely in and one of the bottom ones is poking through. She loves to brush her teeth - well maybe more suck on the toothbrush while I try to wiggle it in her mouth - but at least we're trying! :)

I know it's called terrible twos - but I think we have already moved into the tantrum part - I mean throw yourself on the ground screaming - its crazy. The most recent was in HyVee - I was pushing bedtime anyways - but I needed to grab one more thing - we passed the baby aisle - didn't walk down - just passed it and she saw the yogurt melts - and all of the sudden she started to SCREAM! I mean SCREAM - I'm like - what is wrong - I tried to hold her and she is flinging herself every which way and she is just reaching for something - then I figured out - it was the melts - I tried to walk away but she wouldn't stop and just got louder - I ended up giving in and grabbing a bag - well 3 of them and opening one - and she was happy as can be... I'm like crap. So now I know what she is doing - we may have to be exiting the store in the future... good times!

This morning we got up really early for the race for the cure again -always a good time. The only picture I have is of Heidi bundled up - she was half asleep and just knew it was cold. It was something like 36 degrees - yikes!

The rest of the pictures are of Heidi being Heidi - she is quite a character when she isn't throwing a fit - Here is Heidi playing with Chris' shoe box - she was in and out, in and out - funny!

Heidi playing downstairs - into everything - I don't even know what she has in her mouth in that one picture - some kind of dropper - who knows - whatever entertains her!

She has also discovered our poker chips and puts them in everything - we are screwed when we want to play poker next - but at least they are being used!

You can tell in this picture she is being mischievous - look closely you see all the band aids she pulled out of a box from our suitcases - and CDs in her old clothes bin - for the record - I have lost one of my casual shoes - she was playing with it and I haven't been able to find it for 4 weeks...

But we love our little Heidi - growing so fast and really turning into a character!

Weekend Fun...

We had a great weekend! We had visitors from Texas - Jeremy, Michelle and Ava - it was a great visit and a good time catching up! I was retarded once again and didn't take a lot of pictures of Ava and Heidi interacting with one another, but I did take this picture of them in the bathtub - I swear Heidi didn't move an inch and Ava was flying all over the tub - so funny!

We went to the zoo again and of course the girls loved it. I think one of Heidi's favorite parts is when we allow her to run wild along the path between dairy world and the seals. She decided to take a break from capturing leaves and sit on the curb. Too cute!

I don't want to talk much about this week's husker game, it makes me sad - but Heidi was dressed up country style - overalls - no shirt. The truth is, I didn't have a plain white or red shirt or anything that would look somewhat decent - so naked it was. Maybe if she wore a shirt - we would have won...

I love this one of her mouth jammed full of chex mex! ha!

B is for Busy

SORRY!!! I have been busy... let's recap...shall we... starting backwards...

Husker season is back! Of course Heidi is decked out in Husker gear. Now the first game Heidi was feeling under the weather and didn't feel so hot but I dressed her up anyways. The next day after the game she got two new shinny teeth - which explains a lot.

Here are Kendall and Heidi watching the game.

After Heidi was sick and crabby for awhile - I got sick - had a good fever and just got knocked down. Don't worry - no swine flu here - I went and got tested and it all came back negative - they think it was just some kind of bug. Nice. By the way, they test for swine flu by sticking a swab way - WAY - up your nose. I almost hit the nurse and I'm totally not kidding. They made me wear a mask - I never thought a mask could make you feel so unwanted in a place! Everyone looked at me like I had the black plague!

I have to randomly thrown in this picture. Chris and I cut the boys ourselves to save some money for an upcoming Vegas trip and decided to give Brew a mo hawk... I think its pretty much awesome! ha!

I recovered just in time to head off to Vegas for work - yes it was Vegas and yes Chris and I are returning to Vegas in a week and a half - but it was work - 24 x 7 work, networking, talking, behaving myself. Some highlights, The Moon night club at the Palms - industry parties are great - they go all out trying to impress you and you don't have to pay a dime for your Grey Goose vodka drinks. I'm not going to complain.

Montel Williams was the key note speaker. He is a very captivating man - go figure - how long was his talk show on - something like 17 years??? But it was an interesting speech - it was more pitching us that he is the new face of selling crap on TV. Works for me - I don't care what it is as long as it makes the phone ring. My co worker and I were afraid we weren't going to get close enough to him to take a picture - he ended up doing his speech right next to me - too close to get a good picture - sorry for the blurry-ness - I could smell him... and he had nice bling on too - hehe

While I was in Vegas Chris got to play Mr. mom and he did a fantastic job. He took Heidi to her 15 month appointment - which she comes in at 11% for weight and 39% for height - she has jumped up there! So I asked Chris to give me a full recap of the doctor's appointment since I couldn't be there... this is literally the email I received...

Weight 20.5lbs; 11%, height 30 1/4in.; 39%, head 45 1/2; 36%. 3 shots as well. We miss and love you!

Gotta love guys.

But Chris did manage to continually send me pictures of Heidi while I was gone for the three days. Here is Heidi riding to daycare

Heidi playing with my jewelry - I gave her all my costume jewelry and she LOVES it!

Bath time with Heidi - which daddy has now made up a song to help teach her body parts - its real cute. Ask Chris to sing it for you next time you see him.

And my favorite - eating dinner at Lone Star. Love it!

Now the ABSOLUTELY BIGGEST accomplishment of Chris this week is he officially broke Heidi of the pacifier - gone - these pictures posted will be the last ones with the pacifier. She now doesn't need it for bed time, nap time, crabby time or anything - she is a pacifier-free kiddo. A BIG THANKS to Chris for taking the hard days of breaking her and making it nice and easy for me. :)

Cousins by Christina Kahler

Christina Kahler has done it again - we had her take some pictures of the cousins for my dad's birthday and of course - they are awesome!!! Its amazing what she can capture in 15 minutes of letting the cousins run around in the park next to her house!

Thank you Christina!!!

Weekend Festivities...

So its Wednesday and I'm just now getting around to posting the weekend fun - sorry! We went to the zoo again - it was sooooo beautiful out. We got there at 9am, after a nice breakfast at the Farm House and we were gone by noon - just when it was starting to get crazy busy! Chris had to take his picture by Sponge Bob. Heidi loved the aquarium - the secret is to go there first and there is hardly anyone in there - we let her run wild and oh she did. I wasn't able to catch her in many pictures because she was moving so fast - I posted the blurry one just so you understand what I was dealing with.

After visiting a few more animals, we always let Heidi walk a bit from the dairy section to the seal lions - she would walk and then stop for a snack at the stroller and continue walking. She is so solid when she walks - like she is a body builder or something - Christina is convinced she walks like a gymnast - I don't know...

Heidi crashed right when we got to the car - we buckled her in and she was out before we could even leave the parking lot.

Also this weekend Heidi tried raisins for the first time. She L-O-V-E-D them! Please notice how carefully she is eating them and strangely Brew is never too far from her. We did find out one thing - Taco does not care for raisins. Good to know. Tigers hate cinnamon and Taco hates raisins.

Ayla, Anne and Dean came over for a quiet Saturday night and Heidi decided to help Ayla in her Chicco car - it was way too funny watching Heidi push her around.

Heidi is into drawers and she loves her bottle/Tupperware drawer. For some reason she decided to try to sit in the large Tupperware and ended up getting stuck and being not too happy - I found it hilarious and had to take a picture before helping her out. :)

I love this picture - its just of little Heidi playing in her swimming pool!

A Mystery Gift!

We received this cute hand painted stool for Heidi Monday night - no card - no name - only it was shipped from New Jersey... Anyone want to claim it??? Its very cute and I would hate not to thank whoever sent it!!!

***SOLVED*** Michelle in Texas ordered it and had it drop shipped to me! A belated birthday gift for Heidi - hehe - too funny!

Build-A-Bear with Grandma

It was Grandma Gonzales' birthday last week and we didn't know what to get her - she is the nicest, sweetest person in the world and she can't imagine anyone spending money on her - which means - she is difficult to buy for...

So Chris came up with a backward idea to give her a gift she could enjoy with Heidi - Build-A-Bear. Yes, we bought a gift for another person that was actually for Heidi - but it is the fun activity we tried to buy for Heidi and Grandma to enjoy and I think they had fun. Chris went along to document the occasion and here are the pictures...

Heidi and Grandma picking out the perfect bear...

Heidi discovering the stroller and yes Chris ended up buying that too... such a sucker... :)

Heidi and Grandma enjoying the store and the bear being finalized to take home!

You can tell how much Heidi likes the bear - she hasn't stopped playing with it and the stroller since we got home!

Thanks Grandma for a fun afternoon!

d.r.U.N.K. Weekend...

Look a blog not about Heidi… I know, I know… hard to believe….

This weekend was the big alumni reunion in good ole Kearney Nebraska. A very large group of friends, acquaintances and significant others made their way to UNK – I don’t know the final count of people – I just know we filled entire bars!

It was crazy fun to say the least – thankfully my friends took a few good pictures to help recap the reunion…

Friday was the excited, hyper night filled with a lot of talking – enough to lose my voice and drink enough to want to swear off the stuff. I think the night ended with Amigos, my husband carrying Anisa out of the car – she had a dress on – no flashing here and a lot of water!

On Saturday we went bowling with a small group of friends – I behaved myself being I had a cold and wanted to save energy for the evening – some other people – we’ll use aliases to protect them – Gonzo, Ughs, Neecie, Bear….and Val – decided to drink for 14 hours straight – that’s real talent and I’m proud. Thank god Kearney has cabs for $1.00 a person!

Saturday night ended with us taking over the Backlot and dancing like no one was watching – we all know I’m the best dancer in the world – (embarrassing) – but I’m still sore – especially when I raise my hands in the air and wiggle my butt – wow – I’m talented…

I ate more Amigos than I have in 10 years, but for some reason a soft taco still sounds good.

You know you’re getting old when…

1. After a big night of partying with old buddies – you still wake up at 6 am
2. You actually want to shower and can’t imagine hanging out all day greasy
3. You’re willing to spend $40 on Amigos because you know it will make you feel better instead of back in college you would save $2 for chips and cheese
4. You come prepared with headache meds, Gatorade and plenty of snacks to help you get over the pain
5. You can’t even consider going to afterhours
6. You dance for two hours and end up sore for three days

Thank you to all my friends who made a very memorial weekend – you can’t spell drunk without UNK! GO LOPERS!

Catching Up...

I do sincerely apologize for the gap in blogs - a few excuses include - work - dead battery on camera - laziness and the dog ate my homework... but we are now back...

So the goal this weekend was to take pictures - I give myself a C+ - I didn't take that many... but its baby steps - right?

Onto the pictures...

Heidi can now climb on the couch...yep...not cool

This is Heidi's stance when she is pooping - she places her feet real close together and raises her shoulders - its quite comical...

Heidi watching daddy water the lawn

Brewski and Heidi have become best buds - they have always been best buds, but now Heidi hugs Brewski on a regular basis and they are really inseparable. Here are Brew and Heidi handing out at the door and then sharing a nice afternoon snack - too cute!

Today was Kendall's baptism - so here is the little blessed one

And Blake being Blake

The three wee ones - Kendall, Blake and Heidi all playing with Chris in the playhouse - they are all great together!

Weekend...

We had an interesting weekend...

First we went and saw the new Harry Potter - loved it - I hate to criticize it, but we did miss the big fight scene in the end, but I figure they'll make up for it in the last movie. Grandma Babs and Grandpa D watched Heidi for us and while returning home to then turn around and meet friends at Horseman's Park - Heidi decided to choke and vomit all over Chris' car and her new car seat. I mean, in college you see a lot of people throw up - but man - this was crazy!

We get her back home, cleaned up and down for a nap and Chris and I spent well over 2 hours cleaning. Good news, our seat can come completely apart to clean, bad news -not even vinegar seems to be getting the smell out. Could be worse - it could have been my car... :) We cancelled all our plans and decided to hang out with Matt and Christina instead. Nice mellow night of games.

Sunday afternoon Heidi seemed 100% so we decided to head to the zoo. It was PACKED! We only lasted 2 and 1/2 hours, but that's why we have a zoo pass, so we can do that and not feel guilty. We all came home and crashed for 2 and 1/2 hours of naps and that about sums up our evening. Exciting - I know. Here are the handful of pictures I took...

Heidi feel asleep on the way to the zoo.

Heidi and Daddy having a moment

Heidi admiring the fishes

This sea turtle swam over us - really cool

A cool giraffe and Heidi observing

O Fest 2009

We decided to go to O Fest again - beer, food and music. It was a little different than last year, but still fun. We had a bunch of our friends come out, which is always fun. Here are just some pictures from the day...

Heidi warming up to her surroundings...

Warming up a little more - I see that smile behind that pacifier!

Ready to go!

I'm so sexy I don't know what to do with myself!

Dad of the year!

Look at the cute family - Ayla, Anne and Dean!

Heidi crashed and slept for a good hour - which was good - it made it possible to stay there for 6 hours!

Forward We Go...

Heidi is officially in a forward facing car seat and she loves it! I snapped this with my phone yesterday.

I added a few more pictures we took on our camera - Heidi loved being put in the seat by daddy!

4th of July and the Zoo Take 2

We had a mellow nice 4th - we were invited to Ping's (Anne's brother) house for the afternoon - we were suppose to swim, but the weather didn't allow for it - no crying on this end - but it would have been nice to have Heidi have her first big pool experience. Then Dean, Anne, Ayla and Marla (Dean's sister) came over for a wee bit - Ayla and Heidi were very cute in the basement and even and at one point were sitting side by side in the little blue chairs. I'm telling you all this because neither Anne or I bothered to bring our cameras and take pictures...yep... I guess it was too difficult for me to walk up stairs and get it. So you'll have to to use your imagination... Heidi was a little off schedule from all the festivities - so she took a late nap and was cranky for the rest of the evening. We did sit on our porch for a little while and Heidi watched the neighbors shoot off some fireworks before FINALLY going to bed at 10.

So not a lot of pictures from the 4th... maybe next year...

Sunday we woke up and it was gorgeous out! Chris and I decided - we're going to the ZOO! Heidi LOVED it once again. She was even excited in the parking lot. Don't worry - no bird poop this time! We did the attractions we missed last time - like the elephants and rhinos - which are my favorite.

Heidi enjoyed the Desert Dome - oh wait - no - she had no idea - she fell asleep while in the cat house and slept through that, the Desert Dome and the aquarium.

She woke up just in time to pick out a new toy. Chris and I were picking out all sorts of fun stuffed animals, but she reached and wanted this ball - looking - zebra thing. She loves it and hey it was cheap - so no arguments here. Is she going to get a toy every time we go to the zoo??? I don't know - ask daddy...

Great Grandma, Dean and a Pool

Playing catch up - I need to post some pictures from the last week happenings - we had some important things happen...like we visited Great Grandma Gonzales and we were lucky enough to have Aunt Carmen in town as well. Heidi took a few minutes to warm up, she always does, but after awhile she was walking around trying to get everything. She fell in love with this chihuahua dog and carried it everywhere!

Unfortunately, I waited to take pictures and Heidi was ready for bed. Next time we'll go earlier and take pictures BEFORE Heidi gets tired. We had a great visit and hope to go again before Carmen goes back to California.

Anne also threw a surprise birthday party for Dean, which was a ton of fun. Heidi loved their love-sac type over sized bean bag. Which is good because I want to get one for the basement!

Also we bought a kiddy pool for Heidi and had our first backyard fun.

Heidi stealing food from daddy...

Oh and a BIG CONGRATS to Cass and Lori for their birth of their daughter Arianna. I don't have many details or pictures, but I will post them when I get them! I can't wait to meet her!

A Father's Day Birthday

Happy Father's Day! Heidi's wonderful daddy also celebrated his birthday! Well Chris got more than he wanted for his birthday/Father's Day - he got his projector, screen, surround sound, special remote whole entertainment extravaganza for the basement. He is so proud of it and even right now the chair I'm sitting in is vibrating from the gun fire of Call of Duty... a happy husband, makes a happy wife - I swear that saying is suppose to be different... :)

And yes the screen is taller than me... kind of ridiculous...

Since he already got everything he wanted and more, we went the route of making something for him from Heidi... why not put her in the tub, give her finger paints and a canvas and see what kind of masterpiece is created... he loves it and Heidi loved making it!

Chris opening presents at my mom's house - of course he got new Jockey underwear - we count on it! This pair had tiny snails on it!

Heidi playing...

Since it was also Father's Day - we took the tour of the parents and had a great day!

Grandpa D - Thanks for the delicious breakfast!

Grandpa Gonzales - Heidi learned to go up and down stairs there today!

Grandpa Hefe (note: we used brownies to get Heidi to look at the camera - hey whatever works!)

Happy Birthday to Chris and a Happy Father's Day to everyone!

Omaha Children's Museum Fun!

We visited the Children's Museum again - this time - Heidi can walk and she was EVERYWHERE! She had a blast! The upstairs Sesame Street exhibit is really cool - even for parents! I highly recommend everyone go!

Story from the day... we were leaving and walking back to the car, they have this fountain/water park thingy off to the side. It was off, so we let Heidi walk through it, walk through the puddles - no biggie. Chris and I both at the same time leaned on these pole looking things - well they happen to be the buttons to turn it on - so poor unsuspecting Heidi is in the middle of a water show - her parents just turned on the fountain. Heidi gets drenched! BUT LOVES IT! She chased the water and was running all in it... the problem was, we didn't have a towel or anything - but now we know... bring a towel...

Thank You Outtakes...

Outtakes of me trying to get one decent picture to send with thank yous! Too much fun!

Doctor - Zoo - Poop - Fun!

On Tuesday we had Heidi's one year appointment. She did go through a growth spurt - YEAH!!! - she now weighs in at 19 lbs 3 ozs (18th percentile) and is 28 1/4 long (22nd percentile) - her head is 39% - but aren't most kid's heads bigger than their body? It just means she has a big brain! Heidi did excellent at the doctor's - giving him high five - running around - she was a good sport - even through the shots. She cried but was comforted by her doll and we were good to go! The goals for the next three months - 1. pure milk - no formula 2. no more bottles and 3. no more pacifier - I'm worried about #3 the most - its going to be tricky!

After a quick nap, we headed to the zoo which Heidi L-O-V-E-D! She was pointing at everything and enjoying it! I forget how cool our zoo is - there is a reason why its number 1 or 2 in the nation. We went ahead and bought a season pass - I didn't realize it opened at 8:30am - so we can go early and be home by noon!

As you scroll down through the pictures you will notice an outfit change. We crossed the fish bridge and was headed into the garden of senses and in that 10 feet in the open - a bird pooped on Heidi - before we could get to it - Heidi took the poop off her chest AND ATE IT! Yes - she ate it.

Well about 20 seconds later - she started to projectile vomit EVERYWHERE! Now on top of all that, I have laryngitis - I seriously have no voice and have to whisper - so imagine me realizing she was pooped on but can't yell louder than a whisper - trying to coordinate Chris and I on the clean up - it was quite a site. I took her - daddio took the stroller and we began clean up - I think I went through a whole package of wipes - wiping head to toe - in her mouth - everywhere! Thank god we brought an extra outfit!

Daddy made a call to the doctor and called 955-5555 poison control - which confirmed she should be just fine because she vomited. (and yes I took pictures of Chris on the phone - while Heidi was busy laughing away) Poison control said if she developed flu like symptoms later - then she may be sick - but reassured us - she should probably be just fine. I would like to report - Heidi is a-ok. Our doctor even personally called us later to check in and joked - what is the possibility of that? We can now giggle about it - next time we'll be looking for birds in the sky at the zoo...

Rewind of the week and end with a one-year-old...

Here is a recap of the week! First - here are the pictures from Ayla and Heidi's pool party.

Heidi and Ayla first getting to know each other - before the pool... Isn't Ayla's swimsuit so cute!

Take one - Heidi not so happy - Ayla loving it!

Now Ayla trying to steal Heidi's pacifier

And Heidi trying to steal Ayla's hat

This is as close as Heidi would get to sitting in the water

Now finally both happy!

My favorite part - this is how I would imagine Ayla explaining herself... Uh oh - you caught me!

Come on! Everyone likes a beer every once in awhile! Drink with me!

Here is a random picture when Heidi and I were lounging on the couch...

Heidi likes to be pushed in things - like a laundry basket - well I needed to empty the dryer and she happen to already be in the basket - hehe - she loved it - I think she could have taken a nap in there!

Now to the highlight of the week - our little baby is now 1!!!! Heidi and Kendall - ready to get the party started!

The cake...

Her cake

She started off slow, barely poking at the frosting, but with encouragement from dad - she finally was able to dive in! What a mess!

We had to have a quick bath and a wardrobe change - Christina made Heidi a tutu - which Heidi loved! She actually wore it the rest of the day! Nothing like a girl in a tutu playing in a fire truck! Heidi was worn out, but I think all the new people and toys kept her going, but you can tell by the pictures - she was TIRED!

I can't believe she is one! Thanks to all our family and friends who came to our last minute party! Now tomorrow is her doctor's appointment! We will see how she has grown!

Butt Up...Play On...

I finally got the chance to take pictures of how Heidi sleeps. No matter where you put her down in the crib, what position or anything - she always ends up, pushed against the side with her butt up in the air. I worried for awhile - she is basically on her belly - she is sleeping against the bumpers etc etc - all the things that are drilled into your head that they are bad - but finally I said - whatever - Heidi does it every nap, every night, every time she sleeps - I just can't wait until one day she is married and going to bed with her husband - kisses him goodnight - then curls up with her butt up in the air and goes to bed...classy!

This is just of Heidi tonight - playing around - we took the side rails off our Chicco car thingy and now she has figured how to get on and off - on and off - on and off - you get the picture - she has even figured out that the seat opens and its a great place for her cell phone.

She is a little ham - isn't she? I'm digging the pigtails...

Tomorrow is our swim date with Ayla - we can't wait - we will have PLENTY of pictures - I'm sure!

Quick Update...

Crazy memorial weekend - Friday didn't start off too nicely - we received an early morning call that Chris' dad went into the hospital with all sorts of issues (kidneys, dehydration, heart, and more) - after a weekend of tests, more tests, some drugs, some fluids, rest and hospital food - he is safely back home recovering. We are glad to see him home!

Also this weekend - Chris has managed to get pink eye - really?!?!?! - I'm like - come on! We don't need anything else right now - so he is quarantined and healing... I made him a nice eye patch so he could be around Heidi (don't worry - he washed his hands - constantly and really didn't touch her)

Then Matt, Christina, Blake, Kendall, Heidi and I all travelled to Iowa to see the Stuedemann side of the family - we all piled in my car - and made the 6 hour trip on Sunday. It was nice to see everyone and I brought my camera but didn't take one single picture - retarded. I will have to steal some from the family...

I'm tired... but here is a cute picture of Heidi I snapped tonight...

Stuff...

Crazy. Hectic. Busy. Crazy. That is how I would describe the last week and then some. Here are some pictures from the last week...enjoy...side note: coming soon - basement photos!!! They have drywall up and plan to start sanding tomorrow! I have been taking pictures as they move along - the goal is all complete by Chris' birthday...keep your fingers crossed!

Mother's Day

I had a very nice mother's day. Chris got up with Heidi and cooked breakfast. I had to giggle at the outfit he picked out - it was a more dressy top with some sweatpants, but hey at least the colors matched! The only downer was Heidi decided on Mother's Day to start getting her upper teeth - we had a few melt downs and I was ready for the day to be over by noon!

Naked Time

Why do babies love to be naked so much? We get her naked and all she wants to do is run around the house. She will hate these pictures one day - but I love them! She is finally getting those baby chunky thighs! hehe

Goofy Blake

Blake is one cutie - if you even hang out with him - be prepared to hold a detailed conversation and he will always convince you to do something with him - like go play the drums. He now has a new Blakey Dance which is awesome if I do say so - I guess he does it naked after using the big boy chair - go figure.

The Trio Meets Again

We were able to get Heidi, Kendall and Zara together again! Zara and Kendall are two days apart and Heidi is 3 weeks younger - somehow they are all the same size - ha! Heidi decided to have a melt down during the photo shoot and went to sleep on Grandma Babs - damn teeth - but Kendall and Zara had a blast playing with Kendall's new car...

Kendall is ONE!

Kendall did a fantastic job eating her cupcake - we did have a cupcake in the eye incident - but she recovered nicely. The funniest thing about baby Kendall is when she eats - she likes to store food her in cheeks - it can be like an hour later and she may be munching on something - I bet she stored some of that cupcake for later!

Heidi being Heidi

Morning play time in our bedroom - we all look so hot...

Doesn't Heidi look like Chris in this picture?

She loves to wear this Easter basket as a hat - I think I stuck it on her as a joke one day and the rest is history! The best is when she tries to stick it on herself - hasn't quite figured out that one out...

Sunday Play

It ended up being sunny and great Sunday afternoon and I tried to take advantage of the sun and green grass with Heidi. One note I would like to point out - difference between a professional photographer and me - a professional wouldn't choose a dumpster as a back drop on a nice pretty day - but I would...

Until we meet again...

Heidi at 11 Months...

10 things I want to remember about Heidi at 11 months...

1. She is walking, dancing, singing and talking away. She seems to like pop music the best mixed in with a little classical from toys. We are pretty sure she says uh-oh, ma ma, da da and something that sounds like Brew with a British accent.

2. She now wear shoes to daycare so she can play outside. We find sand everywhere or dirt or something in her hair, ears, nose and in-between her toes! Every morning she sits in her chair (from Grandpa Meyer's House) and watches me put on her shoes and socks for the day.

3. Her favorite spot is still the back door. I think it would be the front door if I would let her.

4. We have now heard her snort on several occasions - she loves to laugh and its pretty easy to get her going. She loves to play peek-a-boo and spin around and is always ready for a good tickling! She will give you high five and clap along with you - too cute!

5. Her new thing is feeding daddy - yes - feeding him whatever she is having, half chewed and everything else. I don't have the stomach for it - but she doesn't offer me any so we're good. Here is the typical process...

6. Her favorite foods are string cheese, turkey, mac n cheese, grilled cheese, anything cheese and blueberry pancakes. She actually flaps her arms when they come at a restaurant.

7. She loves her sippy cup, which we're happy. Soon it will be milk, real milk, in that sippy cup. She doesn't like juice that much, which we don't mind - we'll save it for a treat instead of an everyday thing. Now if we could only get her to hold her bottle...

8. I think she is finally growing. We finally moved into 9 month clothes, but I have managed to put some 12 month items on her as well. Her capris are pants, but maybe by this summer they will be capris... if she is anything like me - fat chance of that.

9. Heidi still loves bath time - I think its one of her favorite parts of the day. She plays in there for 15+ minutes every night, singing, dropping things out of the tub, splashing, you name it - she loves it - she just doesn't love what happens after the bath - I think if she could play in the bath and go to bed naked with a bottle - she would be 100% happy.

10. Some of our favorite moments are first thing in the morning - how happy she is and when she is playing and wants to give you things - over and over again. We can't wait to see what the future brings!

Almost one year...

Ayla and Heidi

I had to steal this picture from Anne's blog. Anne, Ayla and Dean came over Monday night to hang out, well Dean and Chris talked basements and Anne and I played with the girls. Here is Heidi touching Ayla's nose - too cute! I can't wait for our first pool party this summer!

Where's Waldo - I mean Val...

Today was happy half marathon day! No no - don't worry - I wasn't running - Val was and a few other brave souls. Chris, Heidi and I drove to Lincoln to cheer her on. We wanted to be around mile 9 or 10 to help Val push through to the end. We set up, we had a couple of signs and we were ready to see her run past...

And there were runners...

And runners...

Oh - someone we knew - Lisa - a great friend of Anne... (in black running away)

Cute Angie Hon-Marx spotted us - fun... (in blue)

More runners...

Next thing - I'm like - Chris, dude - we're getting into the slow people - like people walking - she CAN'T be in this group - so I called her parents and they are like - oh yeah she passed you awhile ago... DAMN IT! So we missed her...

We caught back up at her parent's house and she said while running - she heard someone laugh about a no crop dusting sign - and she was confused - but now it makes sense...

She promises next time to wear neon colors so we can easily pick her out! Good job Val - we are WAY proud of you! You kicked ass!

And since I already downloaded pictures - I'll throw some Heidi ones in there.

Here is Heidi ready to go shopping for all our basement stuff - carpet, bathroom vanities, fans etc etc

Heidi now wants whatever we have - drinks included - we caught her first time wanting a beer...parents of the year!

Heidi on the way home from Lincoln today - I gave her a french fry and she fell asleep...

Our house is now a disaster every night...see...thank you Heidi!

Oh and since she is walking and we want to go outside - she needs walking shoes - so Heidi got some old school - good ole - Keds...Just like I had growing up - love it!

In case you were wondering...

Heidi is officially walking...

Bella Vista and Crazy Hair...

Not much to report here. I don't have that many pictures - daddio took the camera on his mustang-car-weekend-festival-beer-drinking-mantime outing in St Louis - so I'm unable to take some pictures this weekend. I do have our video camera but its a lot harder to download and upload the videos - and let's be honest - I have the attention span of a 2 year old - so I want the fastest way to share... If I get Heidi really walking on video, then I will upload videos. By the way - we're up to 7 steps as of today - it was 1 Wednesday - 2 to 3 Thursday - 4 to 5 Friday and today 7... she'll be ready to run the marathon with Val next weekend - ha! Watch out Val you have some competition!

Here are some pictures from the travels to Bella Vista last week. Heidi does so well in the car - Here she is chillin...

She now makes the "raspberry" "thrrlllpppp" sound with her lips all the time - here in the car seat and here at home...its quite funny - also if you do it, she will mimic you...

Here is Heidi, Kendall and Blake playing with our ice filled cooler at the hotel in AR. It entertained them for at least an half n hour - who knew - all you need was an old cooler and some ice...screw Playskool.

Heidi hanging out with the family after the memorial. It was REALLY nice. I have to say it was one of the best ceremonies I have been to, which he desired more than anything. We had a close neighbor speak, my brother and my cousin Ryan. Very touching and I think everyone enjoyed the stories of my grandfather. He was a character - he definitely taught me to have fun in everything you do and always have a sense of humor...he also taught me that if you fart - just blame it on the dog... :)

Lastly, pictures of Heidi at home. Her hair is so long it has to be up or else its all in her eyes - so at the end of the day - we just let it loose - which causes CRAZY HAIR! I love it!

Let's keep our fingers crossed for a good video of Heidi walking - this kid does enough squats during the day to be a football linemen...more to come...

Firsts...

I wanted to post this real quick - this weekend I plan to upload pictures from this week and maybe some video. Heidi had some firsts over the last couple of days...

1. This morning was the first for pig tails! hehe - I LOVE THEM! Sorry the picture is so crappy, its taken with my phone...

2. Heidi is beginning to walk - she has now taken 4 steps in a row. I bet each day she'll get more and more and maybe by this weekend - I can get it on video!

3. As some of you know, my mom and I had a tendency to snort if we laugh really hard. I SWEAR last night, Heidi snorted for the first time - oh yeah - a snort - I'm so proud!

We are BACK!

Yeah our computer is fixed!!! A HUGE thank you to my coworker Kyle - thanks for being a computer nerd... So here are some photos from the past few days/weeks... tomorrow I will try to upload some video (time will be tight with leaving for Bella Vista)...

I don't feel like I have large feet, 7 1/2 womens - and when Heidi holds my shoe - they look HUGE!

HAPPY!

Exploring - always playing with the kitchen table.

You will always see Heidi in our kitchen and at our back door. It's her favorite place to be.

Playing chase with me - hehe - its fun!

On my birthday she wore the jumper I wore as a littel girl. It's my favorite!

Playing at Grandma Babs and Grandpa D's house...

Kendall and Heidi together - our little peanuts.

Adorable Blake - he is such a ham - too smart for his own good.

I'm ready for my close-up - Look at those CHEEKS!

Heidi's Easter basket (included eggs filled with Fruit Loops)

Playing with our chairs...Why buy toys when you have kitchen chairs...

Playing fetch with Taco

She now always squats, I think walking is very soon.

She loves her straw sippy cup. Heidi has finally realized that there is good stuff in there!

After her first shower, she loved the water on her back so much, she fell asleep!

Her Easter dress

Easter at Grandma and Grandpa Gonzales - Heidi playing with her new buddy Tobi

Her Easter egg hunt at home. Heidi made sure to share with Brewski.

Until next time...

Grandpa Meyer

I had to post my favorite picture of my grandparents - this is their wedding picture. Married at age 18 and for 65 years - that is just crazy. My grandpa's obituary is below.

Richard John Meyer, 83, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark. He was born Oct. 13, 1925, in Inman, Kan., to Herbert J. Meyer and Ethel Brady Meyer.

He married Lorene Wiederstein after graduating from Inman High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and later served during the Korean War. He earned his bachelor's degree from Wichita State University in Kansas. He had a 32-year career in the trucking industry, which included owning a Freightliner dealership in Salina, Kan. He retired to Bella Vista in 1982.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lorene Meyer; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanette and David Mitchell of Overland Park, Kan., Barbara and Darrell Stuedemann of Omaha, Neb., and Laurie and Steven Hoffman of Parkville, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, at the Bella Vista Community Church. A private burial will be in Kansas City.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 5248, Bella Vista, AR 72714, or to the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714.

Heidi 9 and 1/2 Months

Our computer is still broken - but my wonderful sister-in-law snapped a picture of Heidi on my birthday and I just had to share! THANK YOU CHRISTINA! (Now remember she is for hire) :)

I think she looks darn cute if I do say so myself! hehe

Busted...

Sorry for no updates! Our home computer is broke! We are in the process and trying to fix/possibly buying a new one - so I cannot download pics or video since all the software to do so is on our computer... "sigh". As soon as we get back up and running - I will do a long long post updating on everything!

Fun Day Sunday!

I think we are finally better - yes we have a few more days of antibiotic, but overall - we are better. Here are some pictures from today...

LOOK! Heidi has TEETH

Playing and of course including the boys...

Brewski relaxing...

We took Heidi outside to play for the first time. She had a blast riding her Chicco car thingy and pushing her other walker thingy. She also discovered grass for the first time! Now if I can just keep her from eating gravel - things would be great! I can't wait for more nice weather! Come on Spring!

Parade Day

It's that time of year again - the Irish Parade Day - I really don't know the official title. We all were just well enough to attend. Every year it's downtown the Saturday before Saint Patty's Day. Sarah Ryan's family, I believe, is the one who started meeting up at Old Chicago for a morning beer and then parade watching. Here are some pictures from the festivities...

Sue and Bob Ryan

Anisa and Nancy

Sue, Val, and Sarah

Parade Crowd

Awww - daddy and Heidi - notice Chris' tiny little hat!

Need I say more?

Bag Pipers

The Police Officers and Nate, Sarah's Fiance

The Firefighters

There were even dog rescue groups - like the Basset Hound rescue of Nebraska - I like seeing all the dogs in the parade - hehe

Happy Saint Patty's Day!

Slowly Healing...

Heidi is healing well. Here she was on Monday...

And here is Tuesday, not 100% but looking better!

I'm hoping in just a few more days, we are back to normal! (myself included) - I'm not making such a fast recovery, but I am getting better.

The sickness continues and our little 9 month peanut…

Heidi and I are still sick in the Gonzales house. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection, upper respiratory infection and a sprinkle of bronchitis. Four different meds later – I should be finally well in 10 days… awwwww

Heidi has been under the weather for awhile now. It seems like she gets one thing after the other. Well Friday she developed a scratchy voice and we just thought her throat was finally giving up after all the drainage she has had. Turns out…um no – Heidi has Croup (sp?) – the worst is past. I guess its when their throats or voice boxes get swollen. It can lead to respiratory issues – which thank god Heidi hasn’t had any. I think the fact our house is naturally cool and we run a cold humidifier in her room – it saved it. The on top of that – she has a double ear infection. So in 10 days with her antibiotic, she should be back to normal too.

Oh and she is teething too! Two little teeth are poking through – when they come in completely – I will snap a picture!

We did her 9 month pictures with Christina yesterday, but she wasn’t in the most chipper mood – which we now know why. But being the awesome photographer that Christina is – we did catch a couple of good ones – I can’t wait to see the final ones!

So her 9 month appointment – we have a peanut on our hands! She is 26 ½ inches long and weighing in at 16 pounds 6 ounces. She is in the 12th percentile basically. She is just a wee one. Besides her sickness, she looks great. She cried through the whole appointment, she just doesn’t feel well. Once she turns around – I’ll try to snap some pictures of her – but right now – she ain’t in the mood!

Back to bed for both of of us...

Trying to feel better...

So I took the whole - if you feel like crap - dress up and wear bright colors and it may make you feel better - have you heard that before? Since Heidi has been in sleepers for basically four days straight - tonight I thought...hmm let's dress her up to go grab dinner and see if that helps...

I think it helped and if it didn't, it helped me :)

Boogers and a little thing called Facebook

Heidi is sick...yet again... We had a very rough weekend and Heidi just isn't herself - but after yet another doctor's visit - we think she should be able to get over this one. Doc's theory... she is teething (hence the head tilting thing - we now call it the Stevie Wonder) - so... since she is teething - she puts things in her mouth which means she is more than likely to pick up an infection - she has recently switched rooms at daycare, different kids, more kids, more glorious germs. She is already feeling better - better mood today and is willing to play - which is a huge improvement from this weekend! Let's just hope we have a better night than last night!

The other note, I finally joined facebook - a little late - but so far - I'm head-over-heels in love. I have been able to reach out to people I have lost contact with and its a good way to pass the time when you're bored. If you can look past the five billion emails you receive from facebook, its a great meeting place area. I haven't been weirded out yet - but then again - I've been on it for 5 days...there's time for that...

When Heidi feels better I'll take more pictures...

Look What Heidi Discovered...

Her tongue!

I don't know if its tied to teething or she just realized it's fun to stick your tongue out - but all day today she was sticking her tongue out. I snapped a few shots to capture the moment...

Oh and the boys - Taco and Brewski - say hello too... no tongues hanging out here...

Will you be my valentine?

Awww Valentine's Day - filled with pink, red, flowers and wondering how long the wait will be at a good restaurant.

We decided this year to wing it and it all worked out - well - first Chris got me flowers - awww so sweet and Heidi a little bear that Brewski truly believes it is his. Heidi gave daddy a card and a candy bar wrapped in a diaper...

I tried to make breakfast - ummm - things didn't go well - somehow I burned the pancakes, made greasy eggs and the sausage looked weird - so I ran to Gandolfos instead :)

Of course I bought a cute Valentine's Day outfit for Heidi - my favorite part was the heart on the butt - LOVE IT!

We spent our day going to the Children's Museum for the first time - what a neat place. Chris and I played with everything - Heidi just watched. She was able to play a little bit in the wiggle room - so we all had our fun.

Then Chris, Heidi and I went to Texas Road House at 3:30 - yes - we're old now - and we STILL had a 40 minute wait - crazyness!

The night ended with Heidi in bed and mom and dad rocking out to Rockband! Happy Valentine's Day!

The Many Pictures of Heidi

I feel like I haven't posted Heidi pictures in awhile - so why not a whole bunch?!?!?! - I know all of you are going through Heidi picture withdrawl...no...well I can hope~ :) Here are the many pictures of Heidi we have taken over the last week and 1/2...

Say CHEESE!

Heidi home from daycare - still in a sleeper - still in her hat

Our first boo-boo - she rolled into the corner of a wall - look at the tiny little bruise on her forehead! And yes - I took a picture...

NAKED LADY!!!

Enjoying her kitchen toy - still in the hat...

Oh thought you got tired of Heidi - here is Brewski with his birthday cake...yes - the cake is for us not the dog - but come on - doesn't everyone use ANY excuse for some cake?

I'm ready for my close-up!

Happy!

Imagine me lying on the ground and the Jaws theme song playing...

Mommy, I need a haircut!

Heidi playing with her shadow...

Those don't go on your head!

Hehe - awww so many pictures... all of one kiddo! I love it!

Grandpa Virgil Ratkovec

We lost Chris' grandfather Monday. He lived a long fulfilling life and is truly in a better place. Here is his obituary...

Virgil V. Ratkovec

RATKOVEC-Virgil V., age 89, Omaha, passed away 2/9/09. Virgil enlisted in the Army Air-Corp Dec 14, 1942. He attended Air-Corp College at Iowa Wesleyan College and then flight training for B-17 bombers in Oxnard, CA, receiving his flight wings in Jan. 1943. He also trained as a B-17 mechanic in Burbank, CA. Virgil received an Honorable Discharge from the Army Air-Corp on Dec. 17, 1945.

He worked as an electrician for Union Pacific Railroad for 37 years receiving his UP Golden Spike on Sep 7, 1979.

Preceded in death by wife Anna. Survived by daughters Virginia (Anthony) Gonzales, Carol (Duane) Kanne; grandchildren Ann Kanne, Steven (Kiki) Kanne, Christopher (Meghan) Gonzales, Anthony Gonzales Jr., Brett Gonzales; great granddaughter Heidi Gonzales

VISITATION Wednesday after 5:30pm with Vigil Service 7pm at the Funeral Home.

FUNERAL Thursday 9:50am Bethany Chapel to St. Bernadette Church at 10:30am for Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Military honors by American Legion Post 374 and VFW Post 8334.

BETHANY FUNERAL HOME82nd & Harrison 593-6100

He will be missed...

Happy Birthday Brew!

Today is Brewski's birthday - he is 5 years old. Tonight he will enjoy a nice treat from Three Dog Bakery (so will Taco!). For fun, we dug up some puppy pictures of the boys.

Here is Brewski - doing what he always does - sits there staring at you (doesn't he look like Mr. T?)...

Here is Brewski enjoying his puppy food.

And for fun - here is Taco!

They are tiny! Only 2 pounds! Who doesn't love puppies!

Fighting...

Heidi Not Sick...

Heidi Sick...

It was a VERY long week last week - I personally got slammed out-of-no-where with an upper respiratory viral infection as well as a sinus infection and was forced to stay home from work for TWO WHOLE days! Then as I am recovering at home - daycare calls and Heidi has a high temp and is being sent home - she got diagnosed with some kind of viral infection and had to stay home two whole days as well.

As any mom will tell you, its scary when your little one is sick and there isn't anything you can do. One night her temp hit 104.5 and stayed above 103.8 for a while - it seemed like a century. You feel so helpless.

The funny thing is even when she feels like crap -you pull out the camera and she still hams it up - little booger.

Then right when we both recover from our illness - her infection turns into a congested cough and I get stomach flu symptoms. We are both sick or being sick!

Yet through this all - Chris is fine... I think its a conspiracy.

On another note. Chris' grandpa has been moved to hospice and we went and saw him tonight. Heidi was just taking everything in - I think she wanted to go after his green breathing tubes. He is doing okay and we hope the best for him. Here are some pictures from our visit.

Keep Great Grandpa Ratkovec in your prayers.